Photosynthesis and Redox Reactions

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to photosynthesis and redox reactions, drawing from the lecture notes provided.

Redox Reaction

A chemical reaction involving the transfer of electrons between two species, resulting in changes in oxidation states.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Chlorophyll

The main pigment in most photoautotrophs that captures most energy for photosynthesis.

Carotenoids

Accessory pigments that extend the range of photons absorbed and help prevent sunburn.

Photon

A pocket of light energy that resonates at a specific wavelength.

Inductive Resonance

The transfer of energy from one excited electron to another until it reaches the reaction center.

Photosystem

A complex of proteins and pigments that captures light energy and transfers it to a reaction center.

Plastoquinone (PQ)

A hydrophobic electron transport molecule that takes electrons from Photosystem II and some H+ from the stroma.

NADP+ Reductase

An enzyme that reduces NADP+ to NADPH by accepting electrons.

Primary Electron Acceptor

The molecule in a photosystem that accepts excited electrons from a reaction center.

Electron Flow

The movement of electrons through the photosystems leading to the production of NADPH and a proton gradient.

Photolysis

The splitting of water molecules into oxygen, electrons, and protons during photosynthesis.

Proton Motive Force (PMF)

The force that promotes the movement of protons across membranes during photosynthesis, leading to ATP synthesis.

Thylakoid Membrane

The membrane within chloroplasts that is the site of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.